Equity Afya, a leading healthcare provider in Kenya, has launched a pharmacy franchise model with the opening of a new standalone community pharmacy in Nairobi's Central Business District. The new outlet, located at Bruce House opposite Cardinal Otunga Plaza, offers a range of healthcare services, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, baby products, nutrition and wellness products, as well as wellness guidance and screening services. This move is part of Equity Afya's expansion strategy to increase access to essential medicines and healthcare services.
The franchise model is designed to enable trained healthcare professionals and Equity Leadership Program alumni from the health sector to build sustainable healthcare enterprises while expanding access to essential medicines and related services. According to Dr. Dennis Ogolla, Managing Director of Equity Afya, the model aims to create an ecosystem where healthcare professionals can develop sustainable businesses while bringing healthcare services closer to communities. This initiative is expected to improve healthcare delivery and create business opportunities for healthcare professionals.
The new pharmacy is the healthcare provider's second standalone community pharmacy and the first to be owned and operated by a franchisee. Dr. Benson Musyoka, the franchisee operating the Bruce House pharmacy, highlighted the critical role pharmacies play in completing the healthcare journey after diagnosis and prescription. He emphasized that healthcare does not end when a patient sees a doctor or gets a prescription, but when they receive quality and safe medicines with proper guidance.
Dr. Jaimini Gohil, Chief Pharmacist at Equity Afya, noted that the franchise model will complement the organisation's existing network of medical centres by making medicines more accessible while creating sustainable business opportunities for healthcare professionals. The pharmacy will offer a range of services, including wellness guidance and screening services, to patients. This move is expected to enhance Equity Afya's existing network of 156 medical centres across Kenya.
Equity Afya currently operates five initial medical centres in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the clinics offering in-house pharmacy services. The organisation's longer-term expansion strategy targets establishing 1,000 outpatient centres and 1,000 standalone pharmacies across East and Central Africa. The franchise model is expected to play a key role in achieving this goal.
The launch of the pharmacy franchise model follows the opening of Equity Afya's first standalone community pharmacy at Britam Towers in Upper Hill. The new outlet in Nairobi CBD is expected to increase access to essential medicines and healthcare services for patients in the area. Equity Afya's commitment to expanding access to essential medicines requires bringing healthcare closer to where people live and work.
The Equity Afya franchise model is an initiative to improve healthcare delivery and create sustainable business opportunities for healthcare professionals. With a goal of establishing 1,000 outpatient centres and 1,000 standalone pharmacies across East and Central Africa, Equity Afya is poised to make a significant impact in the healthcare sector.
Key points
- Equity Afya launches pharmacy franchise model to increase access to essential medicines and healthcare services.
